Ten Canada 150 Celebrations Not to be Missed!

Redpath Waterfront Festival

This year, Canada marks its 150 years of Confederation and the city is planning a blowout year of anniversary festivities. Find the best big-city spectacles to celebrate and discover all the best our nation has to offer! Here are some not-to-be-missed events happening in Toronto and the GTA this Canada Day Weekend and beyond...

1. Canada 150: Discovery Way at Ontario Science Centre

Celebrate Canada’s sesquicentennial at the Ontario Science Centre with a special installation: Canada 150: Discovery Way. Through amazing artifacts, ranging from the lightbulb to the flight recorder, you’ll gain a better understanding of Canada’s unique scientific achievements. And who knows – you may even be inspired to be Canada’s next great innovator! Included with general admission. More info

2. ROM Canada 150

In celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, the ROM is opening its doors on July 1 with free admission to permanent galleries. There will be Live Performances, Special Activities, and much more. See exhibits Anishinaabeg: Art & Power and The Family Camera. Also, See the special exbition Out of the Depths: The Blue Whale Story: One of the most talked about exhibitions of the year where you can come face-to-face with Blue - a massive 80-foot blue whale skeleton, one of the largest and most-complete blue whale skeletons on display in the world. Tickets for the exhibition on this day are $10 for adults and $8 for kids and students. Saturday, July 1, 2017. More info

3. Come Celebrate Canada's 150th at Black Creek Pioneer Village‎

The village is THE place to be this Canada Day long weekend! Step back in time and celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday at Party Like It’s 1867, an 1867-style birthday bash! Mark your calendars now to immerse yourself in a Confederation-era carnival with jugglers, strong-men, magicians, stilt walkers and carnival games. Discover what this “Confederation thing” really is, explore how real Canadians lived in 1867, find out what was trending and dig into the past at an interactive archaeology area! On Canada Day, watch an official Citizenship Ceremony, sign our giant Citizenship Oath and celebrate Canada's birthday with - what else? - birthday cake! Free admission for all on Saturday July 1st 2017. Kids are free on Sunday July 2 & Monday July 3. More info

4. CN Tower Celebrates Canada Day with Fireworks Display

Canadian icon, Toronto landmark, engineering wonder! On July 1, 2017, join the CN Tower to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary with a spectacular fireworks display and lightshow. The show begins at 10:30pm with a 30 second lightshow, followed by 5 minutes of fireworks set to Canadian music, and will end with another fantastic lightshow. Come down early and grab a spot, or find your own perfect spot within the City to view the show, but don't miss the best way to celebrate Canada 150, with fireworks off the CN Tower! More info

5. Redpath Waterfront Festival

Mark your calendars for July 1-3 and get ready to #CanuckItUp! The Redpath Waterfront Festival will be kicking off the Canada 150 celebrations, including the World's Largest Rubber Duck. The Waterfront Artisan Market continues every Saturday* at HTO Park; a fantastic destination for a stroll, a snack and shopping against the stunning backdrop of Lake Ontario. Plus, there's always many ways to get out on the water - try a cruise with Mariposa Cruises or Yankee Lady, or hop in a canoe or kayak with Paddle Toronto. Or perhaps, settle into a Muskoka chair and enjoy a pint on Amsterdam Brewhouse's patio. Admission is free. More info

6. Canada Day at the Living Arts Centre

On Saturday, July 1, 2017, the Living Arts Centre will be hosting Canada Day celebrations from 12-4pm! This fun-filled day will celebrate Canada’s anniversary and highlight First Nations traditions and the diversity that newcomers bring to our communities. It’s the perfect way for the whole family to celebrate Canada Day! Get craftsy and creative at the LAC’s Creative Zones, watch artist demonstrations or join in a dance workshop with Gadfly or Shiamak! Wind down with film showings, free stage performances, storytelling and the delicious food from on-site food trucks! Admission is free. More info

7. Hockey Hall of Fame Celebrates Canada 150

Celebrate Canada's 150th Anniversary this summer at the Hockey Hall of Fame. On display from June 30 – September 4, 2017, enjoy access to the boards that were part of the iconic Kandahar Airfield ball hockey rink during the Canadian engagement in Afghanistan. The rink, a symbol of Canadian presence in the middle of the desert, served as a social escape for soldiers to participate in our national passion as well as the site for morale-boosting games that involved visiting NHL players, Members of Parliament and notable personalities. More info

8. Canada Days at Nathan Phillips Square

Celebrate Canada's 150th birthday at Canada Days at Nathan Phillips Square! From June 30 to July 3, Canada Days at Nathan Phillips Square will bring Canada's rich cultural fabric to life through an incredible mix of music, dance, circus, and street arts. The dynamic music program features two stages showcasing current urban, indie, roots, pop and world music by emerging and established artists from across the city, all regions of the country, and around the world – reflecting Toronto's kaleidoscopic character, cultural diversity and creative energy. Free admission. More info

9. Canada 150 Celebration Train Ride at York Durham Heritage Railway

Celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday with a ride on-board a heritage train through the Oak Ridges Moraine. Enjoy our doors open baggage car and on-board family entertainment. On July 2, 2017 only, ride the train at a discounted price. Tickets are $15 for adults, students and seniors and only $1 for children. More info

10. Downsview Park Canada Day Festival

Head to Downsview Park on Canada Day as the park celebrate Canada's 150th birthday, Downsview Park-style! Invite your family and friends to partake in an action-packed day of festivities with rides, food, music, entertainment and of course, a grand fireworks display at dusk to end the day. July 1, 2017. Admission is free. More info